Public encouraged to make pictures for display in downtown

SHAMOKIN - The Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH) are partnering with the purpose of giving Independence Street a "facelift."

Several key events will be taking place in the area, kicking off May 17 with the official grand opening of the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) to the public, the May 23 and 24 Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts and the city's 150th anniversary celebration parade on July 5.

With all that activity, "Let's dress Independence Street to the nines," suggests Jeanne Shaffer, executive director of the NCCAH.

"We are making a plea to everyone who has been blessed with creativity to either create a display on coal region heritage or paint on heavy paper or board a picture that depicts the region."

She added that schools, organizations, businesses and individuals are all welcome to get involved, but that all entries must be in storefronts no later than May 15.

A salute to area servicemen and women past and present will be displayed in windows at the Fun Shop. Anyone wanting to display their pictures, drop them off at the Fun Shop with their name and phone number on the back of the picture.

There will be a Saturday designated as a "blitz" day that will kick off this project, and then groups and individuals will have until May 15 to complete it. All displays will be inside the windows and store owners will be contacted by the chamber or arts council. Shaffer said there may even be a contest initiated to recognize the "Best Dressed Window," with an announcement made in The News-Item of that winner.

For more information, contact Pam Burns at 570-648-9500 BurnsP@fnb-corp.com., or Jeanne Shaffer at 570-850-9121 jeannes@ptd.net.

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